Online Sale of Potentially Dangerous Dogs Sparks Concerns in the UK
In a concerning turn of events, a significant number of potentially dangerous dogs, particularly American XL bully dogs, are being openly advertised for sale online in the UK. This is happening despite ongoing government discussions to ban this breed due to recent dog attacks, including a severe mauling incident involving 11-year-old Ana Paun in Birmingham.
Several popular online platforms like Gumtree, Pets4Homes, and Freeads are facilitating the sale of these dogs, raising concerns about the safety of potential buyers and the welfare of these animals.
Easy Access to Potentially Harmful Pets
Online marketplace Freeads alone had over 1,300 American bully dogs and puppies listed for sale. Similarly, Gumtree featured 163 listings, and Pets4Homes had nearly 900 advertisements for these dogs. These listings reveal that American bullys and their variants can command prices of up to £6,000 per sale.
Some listings describe these dogs as “big heavy boys” and openly acknowledge the challenges of keeping them in a family setting. For example, one seller urgently sought a new home for their ten-month-old bully, citing difficulties due to the dog’s hyperactivity and the presence of young children. Another seller admitted to a dog’s aggressive tendencies toward other animals and children.
Concerns Over Irresponsible Breeding
Animal behaviorist Zoe Willingham raised concerns about the breeding practices behind these dogs, attributing their aggressive behavior to unscrupulous breeders who prioritize aggression over other qualities. The result is dogs ill-suited for family environments, leading to situations where owners attempt to sell them due to their inability to manage their behavior.
Response from Online Platforms
Gumtree’s head of trust and safety, Joseph Rindsland, emphasized the platform’s commitment to user safety and animal welfare. He pledged to follow government advice and legislation regarding the sale of these dogs and encouraged users to thoroughly research breeds and their needs before rehoming pets.
Freeads also stated that they would update their policies in line with any changes in the law and government recommendations concerning American XL bullies. They emphasized their commitment to safe pet rehoming and collaboration with responsible, vetted breeders.
Public Opinion and Support for a Ban
The recent mauling of Ana Paun and other incidents have sparked a growing call for a ban on American XL bully dogs. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has proposed banning the breed, citing its clear and lethal danger, particularly to children. Her proposals have gained support from key figures, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Concerns Over Rising Dog Attacks
Recent statistics reveal an alarming increase in dog attacks in England and Wales, with 22,000 incidents causing injuries recorded in the past year. This marks a significant rise from the 16,000 incidents reported in 2018.
While some advocate for whole-breed bans, others argue that such measures may not effectively address the root causes of aggressive and dangerous behavior in dogs. There is a call for comprehensive reforms to the Dangerous Dogs Act to better protect both the public and animals.
As debates continue on how to address these concerns, the sale of potentially dangerous dogs online remains a contentious issue, with the safety and welfare of both humans and animals hanging in the balance.